Besides, this kind of "downsizing," deemphasizing gold-plated, but anachronistic weapons systems and the sheer number of foot soldiers in favor of cutting-edge technology and elite special forces, is exactly the kind of thing Rumsfeld favored.

This isn't a debate between Republicans and Democrats. It's a debate between those who want a modern military and people (like Cheney) who want to spend money on stuff we don't need because they profit from it.